Minister Kirsty McNeill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, praises the importance of the Company’s VFBs that can support the UK’s expanding renewable energy sector.
Wednesday 14 August 2024
Invinity Energy Systems plc, a leading global manufacturer of utility-grade energy storage, was delighted to welcome the new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Minister Kirsty McNeill MP, as she toured the Company’s 26,000 sq. ft battery factory in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, yesterday.
Above (L-R): Paul Docherty, VP of Manufacturing Operations, Invinity; UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill MP; Adam Howard, UK Infrastructure Bank; Jean-Louis Cols, VP of Global Partner Development, Invinity. (Image: UK Government Scotland)
Minister McNeill took the opportunity to learn about the fundamental characteristics of the Company’s vanadium flow batteries (VFBs) and their competitive advantages over lithium-ion and other energy storage technologies. Of particular interest was the fact that these VFBs cannot catch fire and they do not degrade through use, meaning they can be placed safely anywhere and provide reliable energy on demand to customers and grids for decades. Additionally, the Minister learned about the inherent capabilities of these batteries which enable them to provide longer durations of energy on demand on a daily basis, underlining their suitability to support the rapid forecast increase in intermittent renewable generation as electric grids globally transition to net zero.
“I was delighted to visit Invinity Energy Systems in Motherwell this week. Scotland has always been at the forefront of technology and it was fascinating to hear about what they are doing with vanadium flow batteries which I’m sure will be key as part of the UK Government’s plans to expand our renewable energy sector.
“The new facility is very impressive and is a good example of how the UK Government, through our UK Infrastructure Bank, can help local companies expand, creating jobs and economic growth.”
– UK Government Minister for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill MP
Above: UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeill MP being shown Invinity VS3 vanadium flow battery assembly in the Motherwell facility. (Image: UK Government Scotland)
The Minister also took the time to be briefed on Invinity’s major projects in the UK, North America and Australia and hear how the Company’s manufacturing strategy positions it well for the future. The significant UK, Europe and global demand for Invinity’s VFBs demonstrates how this expansion will support more green jobs in the area and assist the transition to a clean economy. Finally, the Minister also learned how the Company’s batteries, particularly including the VFB system at the Energy Superhub Oxford, can help to enhance UK energy security and how future VFB systems will further accelerate grid decarbonisation as the UK deploys more renewable generation onto the grid.